Selling FAQs

Q: How much will it cost me to sell my property?A: The primary costs of selling a property are:

Producing an Energy Performance Certificate: Having an EPC is a legal requirement, and an agent can offer help and assistance in arranging this.

Legal fees and conveyancing.

Commission for your estate agent: Once the finalities have been agreed and contracts have been signed, the agent's fees become payable. This is usually charged as a small percentage of the sale price + VAT.

Q: How do I find out how much my property is worth?A: To start, you can try searching on Zoopla or Rightmove to view the value of properties being marketed in your area. For a most accurate appraisal, you can invite an experienced agent to visit your property and provide a full, no-obligation report.

Q: How can I increase the value of my property?A: Before you put your property on the market, you may want to consider some improvements such as minor repairs, replacing common surfaces, or giving the walls a quick coat of paint. Ask an agent for an honest opinion on how to enhance your listing price for the best return.

Q: Should I use an estate agent?A: Should you wish to bypass estate agents fees, you can certainly choose to market the property yourself. This can save you from paying commission on the sale but do keep in mind that you may miss out on an agent's advice and expertise, and would be responsible for all the advertising, marketing viewings of the property.

Q: Is it ok to have a little bit of clutter around the property?A: It is paramount that prospective buyers see your home in optimum condition. Even removing rubbish bins from sight can help! Try and keep your space as tidy as possible to put your best foot forward with prospective buyers.

Q: Can I expect an offer to be made straight away?A: Perhaps the hardest part of the whole selling process is waiting for the right, qualified buyer. The timeframe of an offer can vary widely, but it will be worth it to wait for the right buyer when it comes to processing the sale.

Q: What do I do when I'm happy with the offer made?A: If you're happy with the offer, you can accept it 'subject to survey and contract'. You will then confirm the sale in writing to the estate agent. The agent will contact the buyer and both sets of solicitors to confirm the sale and ask the solicitor to draft a contract. It is important to remember that you do not have to take the property off the market at this point, but the buyer may ask you to do so.

Q: I have accepted the offer, should I see a solicitor?A: Yes, you'll need to appoint a solicitor to complete the legal work involved in the transaction. A contract of sale now needs to be drawn up as well as releasing the details of the deeds to the solicitor appointed by your buyer.Q: Does the buyer have to have a survey done on my property?A: Yes, just after the offer. Once an offer has been made, your estate agent will let you know when the buyer's surveyor is coming around. This will likely occur a few days after an offer has been made so the estate agent should provide keys if you are unavailable.

Q: Is it sometimes necessary to re-negotiate the price?A: If the above-mentioned survey reveals work that needs to be done on the property, then the buyer may want to offer slightly less than the original offer as a result of the survey. This will be handled by your solicitors. Try to be realistic about the price, but if you are unable to reach an agreement, then you are within your rights to pull out of the sale. You may lose some money by having to begin the selling process again, but do what's right for you.

Q: When are contracts exchanged and completion dates arranged?A: When both parties are committed legally to the sale, then contracts can be exchanged, and a completion date can be decided. At this point, the buyer should hand over a deposit normally between 5% and 10% to your solicitor.

Q: When do I organise my move?A: You will have to leave the property on the day of completion, so arrange your plans and allow plenty of time for packing.Q: What is my completion date?A: This is when the keys are handed over and you move on to your new home.

These are just a few questions we've been asked over the years.

If you have any specific questions about selling your property, please do not hesitate to ask a member of our team.

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